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Nigeria strengthened their unique legacy in Africa Cup of Nations history after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in Saturday’s third-place play-off, maintaining a flawless record in bronze-medal matches.
The Super Eagles held their nerve in Casablanca following a tense goalless draw, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerging as the hero of the shoot-out to seal yet another podium finish for Nigeria.
The victory means Nigeria have now won all eight third-place play-off matches they have contested at the AFCON finals — a record unmatched by any nation in the competition’s history.
Already renowned for their remarkable consistency in bronze-medal matches, Nigeria entered the play-off having claimed third place on every previous occasion they reached this stage. Saturday’s triumph over Egypt preserved that perfect run and lifted their overall bronze-medal tally to nine, further cementing their dominance in the competition’s third-place fixtures.
Egypt, who came into the match with their own respectable record of three wins from five previous third-place matches, were unable to halt Nigeria’s momentum. The Pharaohs were edged out in a penalty shoot-out that once again highlighted the Super Eagles’ composure and efficiency under pressure.
While AFCON third-place matches have often delivered drama, controversy and high-scoring encounters over the decades, Nigeria’s relationship with the bronze medal has been defined by calm control and reliability. From narrow victories in 2002 and 2006, to decisive wins in 2010 and 2019, and now another shoot-out success in 2025, Nigeria have repeatedly found a way to finish tournaments with silverware.
Saturday’s result also capped a strong AFCON campaign for the Super Eagles, who reached the semi-finals with one of the tournament’s most potent attacks before narrowly losing to hosts Morocco on penalties. Ending the Morocco 2025 tournament with a medal offered tangible reward for their consistency.
For Egypt, the defeat marked a disappointing end to a campaign that showed promise, especially after their dramatic quarter-final victory over Côte d’Ivoire. Their wait for another bronze medal continues, with their last third-place finish dating back more than four decades.
As attention now turns to Sunday’s final between Morocco and Senegal, Nigeria once again depart the Africa Cup of Nations with history intact — reaffirmed as Africa’s undisputed kings of the bronze-medal match.
AFCON Third-Place Play-Off Results (Selected)
- 2002: Mali 0–1 Nigeria
- 2004: Mali 1–2 Nigeria
- 2006: Nigeria 1–0 Senegal
- 2010: Algeria 0–1 Nigeria
- 2019: Nigeria 1–0 Tunisia
- 2025: Egypt 0–0 Nigeria (Nigeria won 4–2 on penalties)
Nigeria remain unbeaten in all their AFCON third-place play-off appearances.
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